Householders hit with €150 refuse collection charge

WATERFORD householders have been hit with a €150 flat charge for domestic refuse collection for 2006.

The controversial charge will be in addition to existing fees for the collection of the different type bins and recyclable bags and will leave most households facing an annual bill in the region of €450.

It yesterday emerged that county manager Ray O'Dwyer has preempted the outcome of Waterford County Council's adjourned estimates meeting on January 4 next by using his legislative powers to rubber stamp the introduction of the €150 fee.